A Conversation with David Curtis
From playing the foulest, grimiest basements imaginable to some of the biggest stages beneath the brightest lights, David Curtis has been through it. For over 20 years, David has poured his passion, joy, sweat, and heartache into making the best music he possibly can. Now he’s back with an awesome batch of new songs and a fresh perspective.
I’m lucky to be one of many that cite David, and his early band Side Walk Slam, as a big influence that encouraged me to pick up a guitar and start a band of my own at a young age. I’m luckier to be able to call David a good friend for many years now.
Recently, I got to catch up with David for a brief look back at his career before setting our sights on the great music that still lies ahead.
Side Walk Slam’s debut album, Two Steps Forward, Five Steps Back, came out over twenty years ago, what are the biggest differences you feel between going into the studio then and now? Do you still get the jitters when recording or do you feel like you’re going in with a head full of confidence and good ideas? Is there any defining lesson that sticks with you from making that record?
David: Wow, 20 years, that's a long time ago. I still do get the jitters or maybe it's just more excitement now. I do feel way more confident in who I am, what I can do or what is a stretch for me. Defining lessons... you realize how much you need to grow as a musician as soon as you get into the studio. True then and even though I’ve grown leaps and bounds, it’s still true now.
What would be the main piece of advice you would give to that Young Punk Rock David from 22 years ago?
Enjoy the ride! Don't take yourself too seriously. Be content in every stage. I think the more you do it the more you are so worried about the next level of success. Finding the balance of working hard but also enjoying where you're at.
the aforementioned, “Young Punk Rock David”
How do you think the music scene has changed in the last 20 years? How has being a musician changed in the last 20 years for you?
It has changed drastically. Music is pretty much free now. So much content out there. For me it has to be the right motive now. I have to enjoy it no matter what happens sale wise.
Where do you think these new songs fit in with your catalog of music? More rocking like RKR? More Punk like SWS? More contemporary like your solo stuff?
I think they are a continuation of my solo work, but definitely a little bit of that RKR still slips in there.
Which song is your favorite of these new songs and why?
Right now, it's a song called “Arrows.” I am so stoked on this one. It’s about my children and how blessed I am that they’re in my life and I get to be their father. Also, the tune kills and I think will translate well. I think it’s a bop. I think that what the kids are calling it now. Dad life…
David’s band (from left): Drew, Tony, David, Jon, and the Birdman
When did you start writing these songs? What was the spark of inspiration?
Some of them have been around for a while 6 plus years with just a guitar riff. Some were written last month.
Inspiration for these came from all over the place. From my faith, the way I respond to life and song about my family. Also, in all honestly I feel like I’ve been given a gift from God and I think we’re supposed to use our gifts not just sit with them. So… let’s get to work.
Why is recording at Woodsong Hollow Studios important to you?
I have so many talented friends, but I wanted to work with my friend David Gross at his new studio for many reasons. I like the way he brainstorms and gets excited about the parts. He is so incredibly talented when it comes to music and being a producer. Also, his studio Woodsong Hollow is a perfect getaway to create and make music.
Who/What are your All Time Top 5…
Favorite Cavs Players?
Mark Price (classic)
Jarett Allen
Darius Garland (newbies..but so much joy with this team)
LeBron James
Kylie Irving (I mean 2016..come on!)
Favorite TV Shows?
Seinfeld
The West Wing
Friends
Cavs games!
Breaking Bad
Favorite Albums?
Jimmy Eat World - Futures
Mxpx - the Everpassing Moment
Saves the Day - Stay What You Are
U2 - War
Starflyer 59 - Old
Favorite Artists?
Starflyer 59
Mxpx
Jimmy Eat World
U2
Pedro the Lion
Top 5 Favorite Songs to Run to?
“Youngblood” by 5 seconds of summer
“Can’t Lose” by Lael
“Typical” by Mutemath
Sweater Weather by the neighborhood
“The Middle” - Rocket from the Crypt
Top 5 Favorite Songs You’ve Ever Written?
Wow, that’s hard.
“Carmi Times”- Side Walk Slam
“Freedom” - Run Kid Run
“Someway, Somehow”- Run Kid Run
“King of Kings” - solo release
“Arrows” - solo release coming soon.
Top 5 Favorite Shows You’ve Ever Played?
Opening for MxPx in NYC
Parachute Festival in New Zealand
Cornerstone Festival 08 in Bushnell, IL
One of the many shows at The Cellar in North Dakota
3 song SWS set at cornerstone in 2000. That’s when we got signed to tooth and nail.
Top 5 Favorite Tours You’ve Ever Been On?
Mxpx / Run Kid Run tour (2007)
Hawk Nelson/ Run Kid Run / Capital lights tour (2008)
Ghoti Hook, Dingees tour. (First tour! -2001!)
Huntingtons / Buck tour (2002)
Creation Fest Tour…. Bajillion bands (2009)
Now, please personally, rank every album you’ve ever put out (SWS, RKR, JJ, SOLO, I’m talking all of it, baby!).
#1 - Love At the Core (2008) – Run Kid Run
#2- Patterns (2011) - Run Kid Run
#3- One Voice (2016) – Solo Album
#4- This is Who We Are (2006) – Run Kid Run
#5- And We Drive…(2003) - Side Walk Slam
#6- Our Little Plans (2010) – Solo / Josiah Jones
#7- Past Remains (2001) – Side Walk Slam
#8- Give Back (2002) – Side Walk Slam
Thanks buddy!
Fun to answer these!
Thanks, David!
Be sure to support David’s new EP via IndieGoGo to receive all kinds of cool perks and unique incentives. You can also catch David on the road this weekend, playing Franklin, TN, this Friday, March 11th at the Mockingbird Theatre w/ Ravenhill, Copperlily, and Jennifer Akers, then in Mt. Vernon, IL on Saturday, March 12th w/ Ravenhill and some other dude. Don’t miss it!
